| Peanut allergy is a condition where a reaction to | | | | peanut products, or even by airborne inhalation of |
| ingesting peanuts is present. This type of allergy is | | | | peanut dusts. |
| known to be graver than other known food allergies. | | | | Common allergic symptoms are occurrence of skin |
| It can range from slight irritations to fatal anaphylactic | | | | rashes, runny or stuffy nose, anaphylaxis, shortness |
| reactions. The allergic reaction is rapid and severe. A | | | | of breath, wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Others |
| peanut-allergic individual produces large amounts of | | | | are stomach cramps, tightening around the chest |
| histamines as soon as peanuts are digested. | | | | area, and itching of the mouth and throat. |
| Somehow, the immune system identifies peanut | | | | Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal. It is characterized by |
| proteins as something dangerous. In highly sensitive | | | | loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, a sudden drop in |
| persons, even trace amounts can produce a reaction. | | | | blood pressure, and difficulty in breathing resulting |
| Ground nuts, including peanuts, and tree nuts, such as | | | | from the swelling of the throat and the constriction |
| walnuts and almonds, have distinct and similar allergies | | | | of airways. |
| symptoms. | | | | Treatment for peanut allergy is to take antihistamines |
| Peanut allergy can be a lifelong condition for many | | | | after being exposed to peanuts or at the onset of |
| people. It is more common to occur in individuals who | | | | symptoms. For extreme cases of anaphylaxis, an |
| are also prone to other allergies. Like most allergies, | | | | injection of epinephrine and emergency medical |
| the cause of allergic reactions to peanuts is a | | | | attention can subdue the effects. Prevention of such |
| mystery. Like most food allergies, it is inherited. | | | | allergic attacks is simply to be watchful and avoid |
| Others suffer from it while others are not affected | | | | peanuts and foods containing peanuts. It can be |
| in any way. The allergic reaction happens when | | | | helpful for individuals of higher risks of attacks to |
| individuals come in contact with the allergen, either | | | | carry medications including epinephrine. |
| directly by eating peanuts, cross-contact by handling | | | | |